THE pair behind the popular Olde Bakehouse Restaurant in Morisset will serve their last meal to customers on Friday.
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Business co-owner Jess Lawrence and chef Daniel Way told The Lakes Mail they would leave the successful venue (which they leased) to pursue a new venture together.
“I don’t want to move, but we have to move. It’s time to expand and move out,” Ms Lawrence said.
But her new restaurant won’t happen any time soon.
Ms Lawrence said the pair would first enjoy a sabbatical of about 12 months.
“During this time we’ll be making several trips to Italy to meet new exciting produce suppliers; explore organic winemaking; implement farm-to-plate ideas and plan our relaunch in a new venue,” she said.
The Italian-themed restaurant had enjoyed customer and industry accolades.
It won the restaurant category at the 2018 Hunter Business Awards – topping some of the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated eateries.
We know this model works, so at the new venue we can go straight to it.
- - Jess Lawrence
In 2015, The Restaurant and Catering Association of NSW named The Olde Bakehouse as one of five finalists in the new restaurant category in regional NSW.
It was known for its innovative and surprising cuisine.
Customers have been stunned by news of the pair’s decision.
Ms Lawrence said the restaurant had a loyal clientele, and some diners had not taken the news well.
“I’ve been really surprised and grateful for the level of support that we’ve had from people,” she said. “A few people have literally been cranky that we’re moving on.”
But she said the new venture would be worth the wait.
“Again, it will be a proper home-style Italian restaurant,” she said.
“We know this model works, so at the new venue we can go straight to it.”
The pair hopes to find a larger building in or around Morisset that would also house a “proper functioning wine bar with cool lounges” and a global wine list.
Ms Lawrence said such was the popularity of the restaurant that bookings for Friday or Saturday night sittings were required at least a week in advance.
“We broke all the rules, and it worked.”
Ms Lawrence and Mr Way will act as food escorts on a three-week tour of Italy in October this year. The tour is open to about 50 people. Book with Helloworld Travel, Toronto.